It’s that time of the year again, back to school! This means children will be back to their busy schedules, spending most of their day away from us at school. A healthy smile is what all parents want for their children, and once children are in school it’s hard to supervise their every habit. This is why it is important to establish proper oral health habits at home first!
Read below for 5 Oral Health tips for all parents with children going back to school:
1) Book a Dental Check-up and Professional Cleaning
- Good way to start the school year knowing your child is cavity free
- A clean set of teeth will keep bad breath and dental pain away
- It’s always harder to find time to go to the dentist once school gets parents and kids busy
2) Routines are Key
- Routines are the best way of establishing good long-term habits
- Set brushing times for your children; in the morning and the night
- Provide water as beverages throughout the day, multiple times a day. Water keeps the mouth wet allowing teeth to stay clean
- Keep snacking frequency to a minimum, set a routine for meals and snacks
3) Healthy Lunches and Snacks
- Pack water instead of juices and soft drinks
- Healthier snack options include: cheese, yogurt, veggies, fruits, nuts
- Avoid packing sticky & sweet foods
4) Brushing & Flossing Habits
- Brushing before school and then again before bed-time at night
- 2 minutes of brushing; try using a toy hourglass as a timer
- Help brush, especially the back teeth, for your younger children
- Flossing once a day, preferably before bed, once teeth start touching their neighbours
- Go over brushing technique with children, using a video or an app
5) Mouth Guards to Prevent Injuries
- As your children take part in sports and physical activities it is recommended to have a mouthguard for them
- Dental injuries due to physical activities and sports is more common than we think
- Custom-fit mouthguards are more ideal than the ones found in stores